Steven Robert DeFord

Steven Robert DeFord, 73, of Fairfield, WA, passed away on January 31, 2026, at his home in Mesa, AZ, with his wife and his son by his side.

Early Life and Education

Born in Spokane in 1952 to Robert and Donna Mae DeFord, Steve grew up on the family’s centennial farm in Mt. Hope. The eldest of nine children, he developed a lifelong passion for agriculture and mechanics early on. While still in high school at Liberty H.S. in Spangle, Steve launched his own custom haying business and was a decorated member of 4H and FFA, eventually earning the prestigious American Farmer Degree. After graduating at 17, he earned a degree in Agricultural Mechanics from Spokane Community College.

 A Career of Service

Steve’s career spanned over five decades in the agricultural equipment industry. He spent 15 years at Saunders and Ott in Fairfield before joining Jones Truck and Implement (JTI) in Colfax. A dedicated professional who never cared to retire, Steve served at JTI for 36 years, working alongside three generations of the Jones family. In a meaningful full-circle moment, his eldest son joined him on the parts counter three years ago. Family and

Personal Life

In 1975, Steve met Rayanna Wojahn; they married in April 1976 and were just months away from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two sons, Dustin and Jason. Steve was a proud grandfather to Matthew and Ryan, and was thrilled to recently celebrate Matthew’s engagement to Wyntr. An avid traveler and Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Steve once logged 100,000 miles on a single bike. In recent years, he enjoyed splitting his time between the quiet of the family farm—where he worked with his brother to maintain the centennial property— and their new home in Arizona.

Survivors and Preceded Death

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Robert DeFord and Donna Mae Nichols, and his mother-in-law, Alice Klaus. He is survived by his wife, Rayanna; sons Dustin (Crystal Chambers)of Saint John Washington and Jason of Mesa, Az; and grandsons Matthew and Ryan. He also leaves behind his stepmother, Marlene DeFord; brothers Bruce (Cynthia) and Rick; sisters Kristin (Bruce) Berry, Karen (Steve) Fisher, Kay (Tony) Flanagan, Kathy (Denny) Byers, Karla (Doug) Ethier, and Kimberly (Ron) Park; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Steve is and will be dearly missed and remembered as a quiet, steady rock and foundation of the family. He always had a hand to lend, he never said no when asked for help. He never expected a thanks or acknowledgement. So it is here that we, his family and friends honor him.

Services and Memorials

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on June 6th at 2:00 PM at the Saint John Fairgrounds Community Building (304 W. Front St., Saint John, WA). A graveside interment will follow the next day, June 7th at 11:00 AM, at the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Steve served on the Mt. Hope Cemetery Board for over a decade, helping to preserve the resting place of his ancestors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Steve DeFord Memorial Tree Fund to replant the pines at the Mt. Hope Chapel. Donations may be sent to: Jane Dashiell 21311 S. Arnold Rd. Fairfield, WA 99012

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